Philly Bierfest 2025 returns for its 12th annual celebration on Saturday, February 22, 2025, bringing a world-class beer-tasting experience to the German Society of Pennsylvania. This festival honors Pennsylvania’s deep-rooted German brewing heritage, featuring over 50 German-style beers from 25 Pennsylvania craft brewers, a lineup of over three dozen imported German beers, and a series of engaging cultural and entertainment experiences. Presented in partnership with Philly Roller Derby and the Brewers of Pennsylvania, Philly Bierfest 2025 promises an exciting afternoon of beer, tradition, and community.
Beer lovers can purchase tickets at phillybierfest.org for general admission, VIP early access, or the exclusive VIP Plus experience, which includes a guided tasting session led by renowned beer and whiskey writer Lew Bryson and Bierfest co-founder Marnie Old. The festivities will take place across six floors of historic buildings and an outdoor beer garden, ensuring an immersive and lively atmosphere.
Philly Bierfest 2025 offers a remarkable beer-tasting experience. In the PA Beer Hall, attendees can sample lagers, weizens, kölsches, and doppelbocks from Pennsylvania’s top breweries. The German Beer Hall and Ayinger Speakeasy will feature an extensive selection of authentic German imports, while the NoLo Import Bar will provide a variety of low- and zero-alcohol German beers. VIP guests will have exclusive access to the Bitburger BRÜ Balcony, where they can enjoy Bitburger Pilsner, curated bites, and premium seating with an excellent view of the main stage. The event will also include a PA Cheese Cave and PA Cider Bar, showcasing fermented offerings from the PA Cheese Guild and PA Cider Guild, adding a delicious pairing element to the beer tastings.
Beer enthusiasts at Philly Bierfest 2025 can enjoy a variety of Pennsylvania-themed live entertainment throughout the event. The PA Beer Hall will feature Roller Derby Arm-Wrestling, Beer-Jello Masskrugstemmen, and live Philbilly music by TC Cole Riot. In the German Beer Hall, guests can experience Berlin-Style Beerlesque, Oompah-Funk by Polkadelphia, and the UGH Schühplattler Folk Dancers, all hosted by sword-swallowing sideshow performer Reggie Bügmüncher.
New attractions this year include a “Best Legs in Lederhosen” contest and axe-throwing. The event will also bring back the traditional Bavarian Bierstacheln, where doppelbock beers are caramelized with hot fire pokers over an outdoor firepit, courtesy of Tröegs Brewing Co. and PA Beer Tours.
Pennsylvania has a long history of German-influenced brewing, with local brewers leading the nation in crafting pilsners, doppelbocks, and other traditional lagers. Victory Brewing Company president Bill Covaleski, a founding member of the Brewers of Pennsylvania, highlights this regional distinction, stating that Bierfest is a perfect showcase for what should be a point of pride for Philadelphia’s beer lovers.
The festival will feature over two dozen Pennsylvania craft brewers, including Yuengling & Sons Brewery, the oldest and largest independent American-owned brewery, alongside local favorites like Victory Brewing Co., Yards Brewing Co., Tired Hands Brewing, Tröegs Brewing Co., and more. Imported German beers will include brews from Ayinger, Bitburger, Erdinger, Paulaner, Warsteiner, and Weihenstephan, among others.
In keeping with its mission to support local brewers, Philly Bierfest 2025 will host the Home Sweet HomeBräu Taste-Off, sponsored by My Local Brew Works. The winning homebrewer will have the opportunity to brew a commercial batch of their recipe, which will be served at Bierfest 2026. The festival also supports the Philly Roller Derby, a skater-owned and operated roller derby league, and the Brewers of Pennsylvania, an advocacy organization dedicated to promoting Pennsylvania’s beer culture and industry growth.
Philly Bierfest 2025 takes place at the German Society of Pennsylvania, located at 611 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA. The event will run from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with exclusive VIP early access beginning at 1:00 PM.
General Admission tickets are priced at $59, providing access to all beer tastings and event activities. VIP Admission, available for $79, grants early entry at 1:00 PM along with a keepsake mug. The VIP Plus ticket, available for $99, includes a guided tasting of eight beers led by Marnie Old, early access, and a keepsake mug. For those who prefer to attend without drinking, a Beer-Less Admission ticket is available for $35, offering non-drinkers and designated drivers a chance to participate in the festivities while remaining alcohol-free.
Philly Bierfest 2025 is the foremost destination for German-inspired beer, entertainment, and camaraderie. With over 50 Pennsylvania craft brews, authentic German imports, lively performances, and interactive experiences, this year’s festival promises to be the best yet. Prepare to raise your stein in celebration of Pennsylvania’s German brewing legacy.
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